Local News
"Spring-like temperatures have taken a toll on area lakes, including the Chequamegon Bay at Ashland, where four people escaped uninjured after two vehicles broke through thin ice over the weekend."
"In his December claim, Kerr sought $10 million in compensatory damages for each of his claims against the Bednar-Clemens and Judge Patrick Madden, and $30,000 in punitive damages from each."
"The state Assembly today came up short in its attempt to override Gov. Jim Doyle’s veto of a measure that would have allowed residents to carry concealed weapons."
"Meyer would not name the source that provided him the summaries of investigators’ interviews with Judge and former Assembly Democratic staff members Tanya M. Bjork, Raghu Devaguptapu and Scot Ross."
"The problems so far were caused by errors. After 30 days, the pharmacy benefit manager companies will be allowed to restrict medications."
"Help Wisconsin, or help send Wisconsin's money overseas? That's the question the state Senate confronts as it considers whether to give ethanol a boost or to favor gasoline by maintaining the status quo."
"A new state law, the Wisconsin Livestock Premises Registration Act, now requires anyone who keeps livestock, poultry, captive game birds and other animals to register their premises. Included in the law, in effect since Jan. 1, are farms, veterinarian clinics, exhibition grounds, slaughtering facilities and trucker and dealer locations"
Sen
R. Feingold"As we mourn the passing of Mrs. King, we must honor her life by ensuring that her message of peace and justice marches on."
“Today I am asking the Attorney General to explain his misleading testimony during his confirmation hearings when I asked him whether the President had the power to authorize warrantless wiretaps in violation of the criminal law."
“The Pell grant program has benefited millions of Americans and we must ensure that this widely successful program continues to help make higher education a reality for those who lack the means to pay for it.”
Sen
H. Kohl"I am proud the CED recognized what we all know about Wisconsin: It is a great place to start a business and raise a family,"
"These standards are the fruit of collaborative negotiations among a broad coalition of the agricultural community,"
"There were 450 fewer construction jobs in December in northwest Wisconsin, while manufacturing employment dropped by 240 jobs."
"Gas prices across the region jumped as much as 25 cents Monday, with stations posting prices nearing $2.50 for a gallon of regular unleaded."
"The rule requires governments to calculate and disclose the cost of promised non-pension retirement benefits - retirees' health care, for instance - and the money needed to pay them annually. Issued last year by the Government Accounting Standards Board, the rule is aimed at making governments pay for various retirement benefits in the same way they now save for pensions."
"From everything the governor has seen, the process was followed in the appropriate way by a widely respected civil servant," Leistikow said. "Nothing he has seen yet changes that."
"As rebounding economic conditions take hold in the rest of the country, the outlook for the Chequamegon Bay area is one of steady, if unspectacular growth."
Sen
R. Feingold“Today I am asking the Attorney General to explain his misleading testimony during his confirmation hearings when I asked him whether the President had the power to authorize warrantless wiretaps in violation of the criminal law."
"The report makes clear that we are paying a heavy price for the Administration’s decision to lead us into war without a plan to manage the aftermath of the military operation.”
"The Democrat is Wisconsin's U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. He consistently gets good marks from government watchdog groups for fiscal responsibility. For that reason alone, I'd vote for him."
""Too many units of government, if they are tapped out on property taxes, turn to fees," Musser said. His proposal limits local fee and tax increases to annual Consumer Price Index gains, plus the value of new construction. It would require voter approval to exceed spending limits, raise taxes or approve long-term debt."
"But then "Tire-Poking Case," or even "Letting-Air-Out-Of-Tires Case" doesn't carry nearly the violent, dramatic imagery as "Tire-Slashing Case.""
Sen
R. Feingold"But Mr. Santorum was a chief opponent of Mr. McCain and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisc., when they spent years in the Senate trying to pass a ban on "soft money" -- unlimited contributions to political parties -- and other changes to campaign finance regulations."
Rep
D. Obey"Obey is the top-ranking Democrat on the powerful Appropriations Committee, but Tyberg isn't impressed by that. He said the GOP controls the House and would show appreciation to a newly-elected Republican by helping to return federal money to the congressional district."
""What counts is not what people yap about but what they actually do," said Rep. David Obey, D-Wausau. "I hope to God he doesn't screw up health care like he screwed up the prescription drug benefit for seniors.""
Mark
Green
"Mark Graul, campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Mark Green, Republican candidate for Wisconsin governor, apparently took an improper gift from a lobbyist while working as the congressman's top aide."
"In addition, Wisconsin's testing regimen in all parts of the state has turned up few positive deer outside an endemic region west of Madison, he said."
"This is a charge against Georgia Thompson," Lipscomb said. "Nothing should be presumed about anything else or against any other person."
""We feel it's important to recognize their service," Van Rooy said, and make sure that active duty does not constitute a financial hardship for them or their family."
"Wanserski, 55, went beyond what the city required, Gehin said. He granted a 15-foot wide easement for about 1.5 miles of recreational trails that will wind through the 27-acre nature conservancy. He also constructed the eight-foot-wide, red granite trail last year and has agreed to maintain it throughout its life."
Sen
R. Feingold"I kind of doubt it, but it would be a good thing if we could stop this," Feingold said in a telephone interview Friday. "I've made it clear to people all along that I think the Senate should use whatever procedures we have."
"The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, which I chair, recently held its first hearing on lobbying reform. Our witnesses, including Senators John McCain and Russ Feingold, offered a broad perspective on these issues."
"Snowmobilers clamor to get here as soon as the snow hits the ground," Kelly said. The first couple of weekends of snowmobiling have a great economic impact on the area, she added."
"Lundgren's dismissal as deacon follows an improper conduct allegation filed by a Hurley Head Start employee with the Hurley Police Department on Jan. 12."
"Six bureaucrats and political appointees in the state Department of Administration separate an indicted civil-service worker from Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle."
"If you have a biased party funding a study, the study will be tainted," said Robin Stearns, who's fighting an ATC- proposed power line near her Waunakee home. "We should have learned this from the tobacco industry. They're still trying to tell us secondhand smoke isn't dangerous."
"To that end, we've selected 12 beers to sample throughout the year from some Wisconsin breweries. But don't feel these are the only ones to try; visit a brewpub and ask about its seasonal offering. Take home a six-pack of something you've never had"
“[I am] happy to see the Democrats that had supported the bill when it first went through the Senate stuck to their guns and voted to override the governor today,”
"According to the survey, “more than 75 percent of students at 2-year colleges and more than 50 percent of students at 4-year colleges do not score at the proficient level of literacy.”"
"A group of private health clubs had argued the exemption was unconstitutional, but the 4th District Court of Appeals disagreed in affirming a decision by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Robert De Chambeau."
"The Nature Conservancy is planning to do a logging project on 200 acres of forest at its 1,000-acre preserve at Caroline Lake near Mellen, according to a news release.
The goal is to restore the area's landscape with trees that grew prior to cut-and-burn logging techniques used during the 1800's and early 1900's, the release states. "
Sen
R. Feingold"The report concludes that massive unforeseen security costs, administrative overhead, and waste have crippled original reconstruction strategies and have prevented the completion of up to half of the work originally called for in critical sectors such as water, power, and electricity."
"Feingold says he wants the briefing ahead of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled February sixth. Experts and lawmakers from both parties have questioned the legality of the program, in which the government listened to conversations in the United States without a warrant."
"The new building trades program at Mercer School has received a $3,500 grant to buy tools."
"Researchers whose work was published today in the journal Science say they have found infectious prions - the agents that are believed to cause chronic wasting disease - in the leg muscles of infected mule deer, a finding that's likely to raise concerns among many of the hundreds of thousands of deer hunters in Wisconsin."
"Nettles called the ads "morally reprehensible" and claimed that they rely on "race baiting and fear mongering.""
"The 250-page, map-filled, photo-chocked Wisconsin Land Legacy Report provides what conservation officials are calling a "greenprint" for Wisconsin - an inventory of natural treasures that the people of the state have told the DNR are worth special attention and protection in the next 50 years."
"One bit of snowkiting history is for certain, though - it can be traced, in part, back to the state of Wisconsin. In the mid-1980s, a Wisconsinite by the name of Steve Shapson strapped on some skis, launched a stunt kite and took off across one of our frozen lakes, harnessing the wind for power."
"Since 1978, the Madison-based Freedom From Religion Foundation has tried to draw a very strict line between church and state. The most recent incarnation of that pursuit has come in the form of preventing federal dollars from falling into the hands of faith-based initiatives."
"The Wausau Mine Company could become the first restaurant to receive an exemption from the city's ban on smoking. Food and alcohol sales have declined more than 10 percent since the City Council enacted the ban last summer, General Manager Colleen Kell said. "
"The memo stated the Arkansas-based retail giant planned to turn its 71,000 square-foot store into a 176,000 square-foot Supercenter complete with a grocery section, tire and lube service and lawn and garden center."
Sen
R. Feingold“I am honored to receive this high mark from an organization that is committed to improving the lives of millions of Americans by defending and advancing civil rights,”
"Similarly, don’t believe it when people say that further gift and travel restrictions won’t make any difference. If those restrictions are clear enough and tough enough, they will."
"If you or officials in your administration believe that FISA, or any law, does not give you enough authority to combat terrorism, you should propose changes in the law to Congress," wrote Sens. Harry Reid, Edward Kennedy, Richard Durbin and Russ Feingold. "You may not simply disregard the law."
Sen
H. Kohl"The PACE Act creates more math and science teachers, offers scholarships for students to pursue math, science and engineering degrees, increases our investment in energy research and doubles the tax credit for research and development."
"Without additional LIHEAP funding, too many Wisconsin families will not be able to afford to stay warm this winter."
Rep
D. Obey“To restore the public’s faith in the system, lobby reform is necessary and should be done, but the only way to address the fundamental problem is to end the abuse of House rules by the Republican leadership and take all private money out of politics. That is what our plans are intended to do.”
"Also unlike the presidential fund, which candidates can opt not to use, Obey's plan would be mandatory and would prohibit independent expenditures by advocacy groups."
This information gets transferred for reference to the local calendar which can be read by clicking the link in the top banner.
"Lundgren's dismissal as deacon follows an improper conduct allegation filed by a Hurley Head Start employee with the Hurley Police Department on Jan. 12."
"The Iron County burglaries were investigated by Lt. Tony Furyk, who worked with Vilas County authorities in recovering property worth more than $30,000. The stolen items were recovered in Crandon and returned to Iron County."
"In the fall of 2004, a computer technician at the department noted that DeLeon was logging on to the Web for long periods and visiting inappropriate sites, including music chat rooms, eBay, a site that claimed to sell legal marijuana and "even bizarre (though legal) forms of pornography that in some cases plumbed the depths of human depravity," according to the arbitrator."
"Impose a revenue limit on Wisconsin's 426 school districts equal to increases in enrollment and the three-year change in inflation. School districts that are losing students would have their revenue limits determined by inflation only."
"the bill would impact the life expectancy of the highway system and have significant cost implications related to the preservation of the highway structure."
""It is a very common scenario in winter when you have birds coming together in feeding places and spreading salmonella, especially with the warm conditions," Langenberg said. "That helps the bacteria survive and infect birds that come to the feeders.""
Sen
R. Feingold"Senator Russ Feingold asked Alito if, hypothetically, a convicted man was scheduled to be executed, and then evidence appeared that found the man to be actually innocent, the innocent person has the Constitutional right not to be executed. As reported, Judge Alito refused to say that the innocent man would have a Constitutional right to not be killed by the state. He evaded the question with legalistic maneuvers, saying that the man could file a petition to the court."
Sen
H. Kohl"In a letter to the Justice Department's Special Counsel for Agriculture, the Milwaukee Democrat urged a redoubling of efforts to prevent anti-competitive market conditions and full and active coordination with USDA's beleaguered Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration whose performance was found to be deficient in a recent USDA report."
Rep
D. Obey"Feingold, by the way, took no privately-funded trips last year. Neither did his fellow Wisconsin politicians Sen. Herb Kohl, Rep. David Obey and Rep. Mark Green." ..."IT IS ALSO INTERESTING to note some of the destinations for Wisconsin's traveling politicians. We see no trips to, say, North Dakota or Nebraska."
"Things are not going to get any better for us. They will get worse and worse. Our fund balance will continue to be reduced."
"In an Aug. 31 ruling, Madden placed Laguna under house arrest, "not to leave except for medical appointments for himself or his family, or to confer with his attorney.""
"Voters in the Mercer School District will decide in April whether to let the district exceed state tax levy limits by $250,000 per year for three years."
"Snowmobilers protested the new rules because they would allow hunting for four days in December in the far north in areas overpopulated with deer."
"In an experiment designed to boost reader interest, the Wisconsin State Journal allows readers to go on its Web site every weekday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and vote for their favorite out of five story ideas. Barring late-breaking news, the winning story typically will appear on the front page the next day."
"When we landed, all the soldiers ran up to Senator McCain," said Feingold, "and all the women ran up to Hillary. And I stood there alone, holding my bags."
"Kmart in Wausau will close its doors in April to make way for a new Highway 51/29 bypass. There are no plans to open a new one, company spokeswoman Lisa Gibbons said. Customers will have to find a new pharmacy immediately, because the Kmart pharmacy will close Wednesday."
Sen
R. Feingold"A whole series of analyses by law professors and news organizations has shown that Judge Alito is very deferential toward the government, and one detailed analysis by the Washington Post concluded that he is more deferential than his Third Circuit colleagues and even than Republican-appointed appeals judges nationwide. This vividly demonstrates the concern I have about this nomination. Judge Alito is not simply a conservative judge appointed by a conservative President. His record is that of a jurist with a clear inclination to rule in favor of the government and against individual rights."
"One leading Senate critic of the NSA eavesdropping said Hayden's assurances that the program is restricted left him unconvinced. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., said he was particularly concerned the agency is engaging in domestic data mining."
Sen
H. Kohl"At a time in our history when the balance between our security and our civil liberties requires the active involvement of the courts, Judge Alito's deference to Presidential power concerns us. He promoted the radical idea of a "unitary executive" -- the concept that the President is greater than -- not equal to -- the other branches of government. Judges are meant to protect us from unlawful surveillance and detention -- not simply abide the President's wishes."
"With increasing consolidation in this sector, individual farmers continue to suffer from inequities in bargaining position with packers, stockyards and processors that make them particularly vulnerable to anti-competitive behavior"
Rep
D. Obey"Four members of the delegation took no privately funded trips last year: Republican Rep. Mark Green, Democratic Rep. David Obey, and the state's two Democratic senators, Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold."
O'Neill happy with third
book ""Yaps," released in November, is the third O'Neill book of poetry published by March Street Press of Greensboro, N.C., in 2005. It follows "Root Zone" and "How Winter Comes to the Copper Country.""
"After being in a comatose state for 30 days, followed by extensive therapy both in the hospital and then at home, Josie returned to school in September, and Josie's parents worked diligently to return their son to the ice."
"The former Ironwood radio personality who'd bring his listeners deer hunting reports from the wilds of Muka's garage in Norrie Location is alive and well at WOKY radio station in Milwaukee, and he has some news."
(Click HERE to listen to live stream... requires Windows Media Player.)
"One community was so incensed by the technical college increase that it delivered its tax support under protest, and another fired off a letter claiming that every youth in the local high school could go to Harvard University for the local vocational college tax bill."
"I wouldn't mind if I died five minutes from now because I think the movement has started," said Haddock, who walked 3,200 miles across the country six years ago to draw attention to the issue of campaign finance reform."
""All the publicity about the bankruptcy code was that it was going to be a lot worse for debtors when the new law came in," Anzivino added. "Once you put that spin on it, everybody was going to rush to get filed under the old law.""
Sen
R. Feingold“The President is authorizing surveillance of Americans without a court order in violation of federal law and the Constitution. He still hasn’t explained why he needs to break the law to protect our country from terrorists.”
"Today I am calling on the Director of National Intelligence, the Defense Secretary and the Director of the NSA to explain whether and how the government is using data mining technology, and what authority it claims for doing so."
"They could stand behind a true liberal like Wisconsin senator Russ Feingold (of campaign finance reform fame) who actually did vote against the Iraq War and who would put some effort into dismantling Bush's irresponsible budget deficit."
"Four members of the delegation took no privately funded trips last year: Republican Rep. Mark Green, Democratic Rep. David Obey, and the state's two Democratic senators, Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold... "If a trip is worth taking, members of Congress should be prepared to justify paying for it out of their office accounts," Feingold said."
"Wal-Mart is one of the most profitable companies in the world, yet it has more than 1,200 employees and dependents on BadgerCare - far more than any other company in the state," Doyle said. "And Wisconsin's taxpayers are picking up the tab."
"Programs of some kind are needed to make college affordable, even for people in the middle class and certainly for low- income people."
"In it, McCoy draws on more than 30 years of research and sometimes dangerous fieldwork to put the torture of prisoners at Abu Ghraib into a 50- year historical context. His work implicates the CIA in the use and propagation of psychological torture techniques worldwide."
"Amid complaints that ordinary citizens have been shut out of legislative hearings, the People's Legislature will take over part of the State Capitol on Monday to give them a chance to talk to their legislators."
"A group of Northwoods residents interested in the environment, the economy and recreation is being assembled to determine the future of ATVs in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest."
"In the most recent case, it is unclear whether any of Hall's deer escaped and whether any of those deer were afflicted with the disease - a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy in which an abnormal protein invades the brain and disrupts the deer's ability to eat and drink."
"The bill does not create a single job, help a single Wisconsin citizen afford health care or improve schools for a single Wisconsin child," Doyle said in a statement. "The Legislature should spend more time trying to get jobs into our communities instead of more guns."
"But even more palpable was the appreciation of having face time with their U.S. senator an elected official still close enough to the grass roots to receive a phone call from a constituent and be able to take action to solve one person's problem."
"Endorsements from Wisconsin People, the state AFL-CIO and other influential groups such as police and sheriffs associations take on added importance in a contested primary race, experts say. That's doesn't even include the money - Wisconsin People could throw as much as $21,500 into Falk's campaign and the AFL-CIO expects to send Lautenschlager $5,000, Weeks and Newby said."
"The 2-year-old law produced more lower-cost units than projected, distributed them throughout the city as hoped and didn't cause developers to flee the city for surrounding communities as feared, the 33-page report released by the city Planning Department on Friday says."
Rep
D. Obey"You can talk all you want about nibbling at the margins about ethics and House rules and all the rest, but unless we deal with the nexus between politics and money, damned little is actually going to change over time," Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin said in a telephone interview.
"The board will decide whether to hold a referendum in the April election to exceed the tax levy limits imposed by the state."
"A report released Thursday says the state's rebounding economy will generate an additional $93 million in tax collections by mid-2007 - money that legislators say they might have to use to cover a rising deficit in health care costs."
"Smiling at that irony, he added: "There'll be plenty of Republican signs. I'm not worried about one Kerry sign."
"Critics of the limits say they are unfair to the most severely injured medical malpractice victims and do little to keep overall health care costs down."
""I really think the characters are terrific," responds cartoonist John Kovalic, creator of Dork Tower. "Kind of the perfect mix between Disney World and Guantanamo Bay. I can't wait for the theme park." He adds that "being a geek," he tried the games and they were fun "in a get-ready-to-sell-your-friends-to-the-secret-police kind of way."
Sen
R. Feingold"In the three weeks since it was launched, the Medicare prescription drug benefit has resulted in frustration, confusion, expensive medications, and sometimes no medications at all for many senior and disabled citizens. These problems are potentially life-threatening and they need to be fixed immediately."
Sen
H. Kohl"It is inexcusable that the cost of providing these drugs has fallen on low-income individuals, pharmacies and states, while the Administration refuses to take responsibility."
Rep
D. Obey
“Since Congress first approved my request for funding for the Transportation and Logistics Management program at UW-Superior in 1999, the University of Wisconsin-Superior has become a leader in transportation research and in training young people for management jobs in the transportation industry,”
"Fifty to 60 turkeys will be released in the Saxon area by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, assisted by the Snowbelt Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation."
"Madeleine Morichetti of Fifth Avenue North in Hurley officially withdrew her challenge to Brian Tarro of Maple Street on Tuesday."
"Education and a real commitment to high-tech education trumps infrastructure,"
"Lawmakers in two states are proposing broad abortion bans they hope will eventually win approval from a reconfigured, more conservative high court. Legislators elsewhere are seeking to tighten a range of abortion restrictions; one leading liberal advocacy group gave 19 states - including Wisconsin - a failing grade on reproductive rights in a national status report issued Wednesday."
"But a State Journal analysis of the state's own data shows the claim, though arguably correct, includes tens of thousands of jobs - at least half the total number - that are the result of regular seasonal variations in employment between the months in question. Many of the other positive numbers Doyle used to tout his record as he heads into an election year fight stood up to spot checks Wednesday. And Doyle defended his use of the jobs figures in a meeting with the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board Wednesday."
"And what’s sad is that Dave Redick, at least today, stands as good of a chance as anyone to win the Republican nomination. As a result, Kohl is all but guaranteed another six years to lounge around the nation’s capital."
"It seems as if when the budget crunch hits a school district, there are some “sacred cows” still left to wander the halls. One is administrative staff and the other is athletics."
Sen
R. Feingold"Demand accountability at every level of your life and particularly from those you elect to positions of power. And only vote for candidates who show the strong character necessary to avoid corruption--for example, Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin who may be like the late, great Paul Wellstone, a man who always followed his conscience."
“Members of the Guard bring unique skills and abilities to their missions across the globe. It would be a serious mistake for us to make major cuts to the Guard at a time when we need the capabilities they possess more than ever.”
Rep
D. Obey" Representative David Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat, said many members of his party oppose tightening lobbying rules at a time when Democrats have a chance to regain a majority in Congress in the November elections. ``I've had a number of people who said, `Geez, you really want to do this, after the way Republicans have treated us?''' Obey said. ``Why would we guarantee them this stuff if we take control?'' "
Ironwood's Poet Laureate, Pat O'Neill, reads from his 3rd and latest book, Yaps, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25th at the Pine Tree Gallery, 824 East US Highway 2 in Ironwood
"Following a special closed session last week on administrative matters, the board did not take any formal action regarding eliminating a position. It may, however, issue non-renewal notices, also called pink slips, to elementary principal Donna Bessen and middle-high school principal Elizabeth Jorgensen."
"It was a warning. He was giving us a warning," Kangas said. "I do not like that. He was telling us that Iron County would look very unfavorably on it if we didn't go with his choice."
"Comments about Iron County Corporation Counsel Jodie Bednar-Clemens and her performance on the job are in, but the finance committee will not determine and announce the outcome of the performance evaluation until its February meeting."
"I can't thank the White Thunder Riders enough for showing me such a great time. We simply would not have snowmobiling in Wisconsin without the good work of snowmobile clubs like the White Thunder Riders,"
"In his fourth "state of the state" address - and his last before facing re-election this fall - the first-term Democrat proposed extending the state's BadgerCare program for the working poor to offer health care coverage to all children who aren't covered; called for a living wage tax credit that guarantees families won't live in poverty; and asked for a greater commitment to developing renewable energy sources and helping people with home heating costs."
"The deer were methodically shot at the preserve owned by Stan Hall of Almond by employees of the wildlife services unit of the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
"Now, any off-reservation casino must be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - a process that takes years - and by the governor. Under the bill, any off-reservation casino approved by the federal government would have to go first to the Legislature and then to the governor."
"Announcing what he termed his "affordability agenda," the first-term governor proposed a series of initiatives to make living in Wisconsin easier on the pocketbook, including help paying for health insurance, energy bills and college tuition - and to retain and increase vital manufacturing and high-tech jobs."
"Stop reading for a moment. Flip this over. Notice that the backside of your newspaper is utterly unencumbered by cords, plugs, telephone jacks or USB connections. To hell with Bluetooth technology. We were wireless long before wireless was cool."
"We know you don't have pegs for helmets at your restaurants, and you haven't got the sound of sleds warming up to disrupt your dining. You've got the din of a bunch of self-important stuffed shirts yammering on their cell phones while they eat, instead."
(Some might recall we linked the NYT article back on Jan 14th. News hits the norlth woods in one day, but takes four days to filter down to Wassau. - Bob)
"Through an ongoing series of stories and our March, 2006 annual edition, “Innovation,” we’ll explore what’s happening on the cutting edge in northern Wisconsin."
Sen
R. Feingold"I look forward to working with members of both parties and both houses to pass the strongest possible lobbying reform bill to take on corrupting influences in Washington."
"He said the anti-abortion group he represents should have been allowed in 2004 to use its general fund to buy ads urging Senator Russ Feingold not to support filibusters of judicial nominees. Feingold, a Wisconsin Democrat, was facing re-election at the time."
Rep
D. Obey"In a meeting with the editorial board of the Morning Sentinel and the Kennebec Journal, Allen, D-1st District, outlined a 14-point package aimed at reforming ethics rules in the House of Representatives -- a package Allen crafted with Democratic Reps. David R. Obey of Wisconsin, Barney Frank of Massachusetts and David E. Price of North Carolina."
""The immediacy of intervention saved my life," he said, crediting both aspirin and medical attention."
"How a veto override would fare in the 99-member Assembly remains uncertain. The Assembly passed the measure 64-32, or two votes shy of the 66 needed for a veto override."
"It's very simple," Democratic Rep. Dave Obey said in an interview. "If they got it from Abramoff they ought to give it back, and if they didn't, there's no reason to,"
"Such contributors "don't care who is in office," said WDC's executive director, Mike McCabe. "They just want to make sure they have access to and influence over who is elected.""
"That vote sent the new version of the bill back to the Senate for final approval. Both houses must approve identical versions of a bill before it can go to the governor. Doyle spokeswoman Melanie Fonder said the governor is confident his veto will survive. She declined to elaborate. "
"While McCormick sees the Republican action as an avoidance of grass-roots democracy, Gard, R-Peshtigo, is excited by the decisions of party leaders."
"What really happened, obviously, was a far cry from what the attackers had led me to believe. Incredibly, a fair number of Americans list attack radio shows as the place they get their news. Listening to talk radio for opinion and comment is one thing. But, we'd all be advised to look a little further."
"By a 7-4 vote, the council approved a policy requiring retirees to pay the entire deductible, $1,500 for the individual and $3,000 for a family. The city is required to allow retirees the opportunity to buy into the city's group health insurance plan, but that is the extent of the city's obligation, Knapp said."
Sen
R. Feingold"... the placid Alito bobbed and weaved, albeit in slow motion. (Perhaps another sports analogy: He "rope-a-doped" the committee.) Why didn't the Democrats bring in Class A help? Or why didn't they permit attorney Feingold to ask questions for the others?"
Sen
H. Kohl"In short, before we give we give you the keys to the car, we would like to know where you plan to take us."
"As Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., pointed out in questioning Alito last week, Bork rejected Supreme Court rulings that proclaimed constitutional rights to privacy, contraception and abortion, that required political districts to be equal in population and that restricted the president's power to authorize wiretaps for national security."
Rep
D. Obey"But the Senate can start out right by the folks in this region, moving on the promise to revisit low-income heating aid. The momentum of a positive, quickly decided Senate vote could prod the House into revisiting a proposal led last year by Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., to add $2 billion to LIHEAP funds in these extraordinary times."
"When wildfire dangers are low at home, Wisconsin lends assistance to other states requesting it,"
"Nonetheless, you couldn't escape the feeling Sunday, as the junior senator from Wisconsin held one of his trademark "listening sessions," that the Democrat's riding a big wave."
"The Wisconsin open meetings law, which allows for governmental bodies to go into closed session for specific issues such as buying or selling property or discussing personnel evaluations, does not make it illegal for anyone to disclose what was said in those meetings."
"The increased outsourcing of engineering work came despite agreement within the department that state engineers are cheaper than consultants. A 2004 DOT report says the state engineers cost 18% less, though the Department of Administration disputed those findings."
"Scholars say that African-American worship practices - call-and-response, rhythmic movement, jumping, dance, weeping, groaning and shouting - annoyed the church's white leaders."
"Barzen said the eagles come to winter in this area for specific reasons: the river is open because of the dam making it easy for the birds to catch fish and there are plenty of perching trees along the river where they can perch and simply watch meals come into view. The open agricultural fields also offer additional places to forage for food within a short distance of the river."
"The trackage is there and we have destinations and originations. You've got the University Hospital, the university itself, Camp Randall Stadium, the Kohl Center - all built along the rail line. The crisis with traffic congestion and gas hasn't gotten bad enough yet."
"“I’m a Reagan conservative. I believe in minimum government [and] minimum taxing and spending,” he said, adding his Republican roots honor states’ rights and free markets. Additionally, Redick called the Iraq war a debauched attempt to control oil and the Patriot Act an abuse of government power."
“I look forward to comprehensive hearings … regarding the President’s decision to authorize secret wiretaps of U.S. citizens without a court order,” Feingold said in a statement. “If the law was broken, as appears to be the case, then there needs to be accountability.”
"State Railroad Commissioner Rodney Kreunen said the state has experienced more crashes at railroad crossings in recent years as rail traffic has increased. "We've seen a resurgence in the railroad industry," he said. "From the early '90s until now, rail tonnage is up 14 percent." L
"The snow cover may not have been as thick as in years' past, but the horses at the 20th Annual Sleigh and Cutter Rally didn't seem to care — and neither did the hundreds of local residents and out-of-area visitors who gathered for the third year in a row to watch the majestic steeds pull ornate carriages across the white fields."
Sen
R. Feingold"Certain says he was curious about Sirleaf's time in Madison, so he got Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold to ask her when she visited Washington D.C. Sirleaf told Feingold that she spent 2 years busing tables at the local drugstore's lunch counter."
"Apart from my aversion to nominating sitting Senators, Russ Feingold still strikes me as the Democratic Party's best batter, save one ... Al Gore, whom Politics1 lists as "not running." I'm still thinking a Gore/Feingold ticket would be a slam-dunk in November, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen."
Sen
H. Kohl"The study was requested by Senators Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, and Herb Kohl, Democrat of Wisconsin. "If state surveyors are missing serious deficiencies in the quality of care, then the federal government has not yet achieved the necessary level of improvement in oversight of the inspection process," said Mr. Grassley, who is chairman of the Finance Committee."
Rep
D. Obey"Congress should be spending time dealing with the problems of the country, not problems with itself,"
Sen
R. Feingold"Or, in a fit of electoral panic, they could outdo both Feingold-Meehan and a soon-to-be-introduced plan by the Democratic leadership. Already, Hastert and Dreier have proposed banning all lobbyist-funded Congressional travel, the most far-reaching idea introduced thus far"
"Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin today joined with Senator Russ Feingold and some other members of Wisconsin’s Congressional delegation in calling for immediate attention to the life-threatening problems facing some Medicare beneficiaries under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan"
"Many, like Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold, think gifts should be banned outright. "All the T shirts, golf caps and cheap luggage I've been given aren't even worth having," said a lawmaker. "None of these are gifts worth having.""
Sen
H. Kohl"Much unlike some of his more camera hungry, unscrupulous Democrat colleagues, I think Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) hit it out of the park. He questioned Alito on several inconsistencies, such as why he distanced himself from supportive remarks he made about then Supreme Court Justice nominee Robert Bork in 1987."
"The race has evolved over the decades into a gas-powered extravaganza, featuring stunt motorcycle and snowmobile riders, vintage snowmobile races, kids' snowmobile races, and jump-packed sno-cross races held inside the half-mile oval."
"Between 1994 and 2002, annual giving from road interests tripled, from about $150,000 to nearly $475,000. During that period, legislators added nearly $100 million in state funds to the annual road construction budget, a 44% boost."
"Ip, who oversees the diagnostic virology lab at the little-known National Wildlife Health Center, is preparing for the 30-year-old center's largest project ever: surveillance for the H5N1 avian influenza virus that has swept through Asia and recently appeared in Eastern Europe and nearby Turkey."
Times
"Then the Eagle River Area Fire Department lost a borrowed pickup truck when it plunged into Silver Lake as the ice harvest began 17 days ago. But the wintertime blues disappeared Friday night, Day 2 of the 43rd annual World Championship Snowmobile Derby, which residents herald as the Indianapolis 500 of snowmobile racing."
"In July 2003, the state veterinarian ordered that all of the deer on Hall's operation, known as "Buckhorn Flats," be killed. But Hall challenged the order, and since that time the case has wended its way through a state administrative process that is used for killing diseased livestock that could threaten animal or public health."
"The move, announced by Gov. Jim Doyle, is designed as a stopgap while glitches in the new federal program are worked out. Other states have taken similar steps."
"Kinney said the taxes were deducted from employees' paychecks, but since 2003 were used for general expenses instead of being paid to the IRS. "It was an oversight," Kinney said this week in the cramped WTA office on South Park Street, cluttered with half-packed furniture."
"The Republicans won't touch what they think of as the free market, even though Wal-Mart is distorting the free market with a monopoly controlling the price of goods and labor,"
"Gore will, according to the groups that have arranged his appearance the bipartisan Liberty Coalition and the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy address "the threat posed by policies of the Bush administration to the Constitution and the checks and balances it created."
This information gets transferred for reference to the local calendar which can be read by clicking the link in the top banner.
Sen
R. Feingold“We ask that you take immediate action to help individuals in need… This situation has reached emergency status, and we ask that you treat it as such.”
(Text of Letter)
"But Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wisconsin, was still concerned and told Alito, "I think it may raise something of an ethical issue for you. Will you have to recuse yourself from any case where one of these judges was involved?" Alito did not give Feingold a direct answer."
Sen
H. Kohl"That answer seemed to disappoint the questioner, Senator Herb Kohl, Democrat of Wisconsin, who described the reply as “on the one hand and on the other hand.”
“I’d ask you,” the senator persisted, “if you would, venture an opinion more precisely, specifically – do you agree in general with Justice O’Connor’s dissent?”
“Well, senator,” Judge Alito said, “I don’t think I can answer that beyond what I’ve said.”"
"The city levy has increased 11 percent, while the Lake Michele District tax shot up by a whopping 48 percent. Council member Char Mussatti said condominiums in the Lake Michele area that were originally valued at $76,000 had decreased to as much as $22,000, but now they've been increased to $46,000. "
"When the Saxon Harbor expansion project is shut down for the winter Friday, the main contractor will be six weeks ahead of his work schedule."
"A Bessemer man was arrested Wednesday for felonious assault after a woman was stabbed at 221 E. Pine St."
(see also: Stabbing results in 4 people being charged)
"Amy Hauser, of Knox, Ind., was named grand champion; her teammate was her mother, Lioness Louise Minisan. They also won the best costume award."
"Former state Assembly Majority Leader Steve Foti has agreed to plead guilty to one misdemeanor ethics violation and be a possible witness against Rep. Scott Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield), a longtime friend."
"... even if online anonymity could be "a frustrating tactic used by the cowardly and reactionary." He wrote that with the vague word "annoy" in the law, sharp anonymous political criticism could be targeted, as could parody."
"We can't just stand by. But it is the federal government's responsibility and we intend to be repaid."
"So it goes for sport utility vehicles, which have seen falling sales due to their low fuel efficiency, cost, size and worries about rollover accidents. The smaller CUV - crossover utility vehicle - such as the Matrix, is becoming increasingly popular."
Sen
R. Feingold"Feingold understands that Democrats who would identify themselves as reformers have to start with clean hands. He also understands that reformers need more than symbolism; they need a program."
Sen
H. Kohl"Sen. Herb Kohl, D-Wis., noted that Alito mentioned Concerned Alumni of Princeton "with pride" on his job application, while Sen. Joseph Biden, D-Del., asked whether Alito thought it would impress conservatives in the Reagan administration who might have supported the group's beliefs."
Rep
D. Obey"U.S. Congressman John F. Tierney, Democrat-Salem, announced that he has joined more than 115 House Democrats to sponsor the "House Rules Reform Package," a 14-point package introduced by U.S. Reps. Barney Frank, Democrat-Newton, David Obey Democrat-Wisconsin, David Price, Democrat-North Carolina, and Tom Allen, Democrat-Maine, to address abuses during republican leadership of congress."
Mark
Green"As you probably know, we've spent a bit of ink over the last few months knocking around Mark Graul. He's the campaign manager for Rep. Mark Green (R) who's now running for Governor of Wisconsin."
"Burke was transferred to Milwaukee County on Friday, the first day of his sentence. Milwaukee County House of Correction Superintendent Ron Malone determined that Burke should serve his sentence from his home and discharged him from a downtown Milwaukee facility."
"It's time to take additional steps - to raise the bar even higher," Green said. "Unfortunately, a few unethical individuals are causing public doubt over many government decisions."
"The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Commission and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources expressed concern that the utility would grant easements to Naterra to shorelines for docks and others uses that would conflict with federal regulations protecting the land."
"Any study that says this will mean a $21 million loss was written by Chicken Little," said King. "I was afraid they were going to show a balanced study that shows mild negative effects to the economy, because that would have been taken seriously."
" The Washburn Police Department added wrangling to their list of duties Wednesday morning when four horses from the town of Bayview got loose and were reported wandering near the city's cemetery."
Sen
R. Feingold"Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., asked point-blank whether the president has the authority as commander in chief to authorize warrantless searches and wiretaps in violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, as Democrats charge Bush has done."
"Feingold goes farther by prohibiting behind-the-scenes involvement in lobbying strategy that is now legal the moment a lawmaker leaves office."
Sen
H. Kohl"Kohl asked his opinion of Bush v. Gore. "Was the Supreme Court correct to take this case in the first place?" "I really don't know," Alito said. "I really have not studied that case the way I studied a case as a judge.""
"Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.) summarized the Democratic theme in what was the sound bite of the day: "Before we give you the keys to the car, we'd like to know where you're going to take us.""
Rep
D. Obey"O'Donnell's plan borrows several provisions - including some exact wording - from a set of reforms unveiled in December by Norm Ornstein, resident scholar for the American Enterprise Institute, and a group of Democrats, including Rep. David Obey, of Wisconsin, and Rep. Barney Frank, of Massachusetts."
"The shoving incident was added to the list of complaints and allegations against Bednar-Clemens currently being investigated by the DCI."
"A 67-year-old Ironwood man was airlifted to a hospital in Duluth late Tuesday after his vehicle rolled over on Wis. 77, according to a 10:35 p.m. Tuesday Iron County Sheriff's Department report."
"One theoretical solution that could be explored, he says, is to create a lock system that would provide a physical barrier between the basins, and then somehow sterilize the water in those lock chambers."
"The state and advocacy groups say they have been inundated with calls from people who can't get their prescription drugs."
"With Intel processors inside the new Macs, their owners could run Microsoft Windows and software designed for it at full speed."
"Nevertheless, the city has already told the tribe it would provide fire protection apparently because the tribe's 10-member volunteer fire department is not functioning."
Sen
R. Feingold"... he still doesn’t recognize that our seemingly indefinite military presence in Iraq is fueling the insurgency and is not creating the conditions for a smooth transfer of authority to the new Iraqi government."
"Mr. Feingold told reporters Mr. Alito said "the framers might have been shocked at the idea of such searches occurring," but that he also said, "At the same time, you have to remember that times have changed.""
Sen
H. Kohl"Wisconsin's other senator, Democrat Herb Kohl, asked Alito about a 1985 job application in which Alito criticized a key decision of the Warren Court. In the application for deputy assistant attorney general in the Reagan administration, Alito said his interest in law was motivated in part by his disagreements with several Warren Court decisions."
Rep
D. Obey"The 14-point package was introduced at the end of December by Democratic Congressmen Barney Frank of Newton, David Obey of Wisconsin, David Price of North Carolina and Tom Allen of Maine to address what Tierney termed "abuses during the Republican leadership of Congress.""
"The Hurley chamber honored Gus Krone, Citizen of the Year; Copps Food Center, Business of the Year; The Greater Northwoods Tavern League, Organization of the Year; and St. Mary's Mission Possible Youth Group, Youth Organization of the Year. Tom Morris received the Chamber Appreciation Award."
"The trial date for a 41-year-old Pence, Wis., man, who is charged with the March 16 first-degree intentional homicide of his wife has been rescheduled to begin May 2."
"If a person wants to look at going into this type of business (without a Class B liquor license), the potential for a $50,000 fine and losing the machines is a deterrent,"
"Laney said that bringing the Olympics to U.S. soil would "raise the ante dramatically" for improving passenger rail service, increasing the odds for Congress to send federal cash."
"Feingold said Alito’s “instinct” as a federal appeals judge and before that a lawyer for the Reagan administration “sometimes seems to be to defer to the executive branch.”"
"But because many haven't received Medicare enrollment cards or were signed up for Medicare plans that don't cover some drugs Medicaid did, some have left pharmacies empty-handed or had to choose between buying food or drugs, advocates say."
"... Alito has placed himself clearly and unequivocally at odds with the original intent of the authors of the Constitution and the incontrovertible language of the document."
"Merrill Police Chief Neil Strobel said those concerns are shared by police agencies throughout the state. Law enforcement officers ... need to know who's authorized to carry and who's not," he said. "
Sen
R. Feingold"If a nominee expresses a personal view on a legal issue in a memo written over a decade ago, we, and the American people, have the right to know if he still holds that view today."
"I think [Bush] probably broke the law here, but we need to know why they did it this way and what the legal justifications were, and then we need to determine what kind of accountability will occur if laws were broken,"
Sen
H. Kohl"Despite your enormous power, you will be free of all constraints, unaccountable and unrecallable," Kohl told Alito. "We give Supreme Court Justices this freedom because we expect them to remain above the pull of politics."
Rep
D. Obey"Rep. David Obey (D) of Wisconsin proposed legislation last month that would make it harder for lobbyists to slip funding provisions into legislation, in addition to barring lobbyists from arranging or funding congressional travel. "
"Congressman James L. Oberstar (MN-8) secured the original authorization for the initiative, and Congressman Obey secured the funding in the recently-passed transportation appropriations bill."
"Glatczak said he found a newspaper-filled shirt and pants that had been spray-painted red, with two baseballs lying next to it."
"Iron County can have a full-time director, but they cannot say they have three," said Wisconsin Emergency Management Northwest Regional Director Rhonda Reynolds, from Spooner.
"A dozen teams carved blocks of ice set in the pocket park and in front of sponsoring businesses around town."
"Proponents of the bill said something must be done to rein in the growing number of posh senior housing complexes that offer no care for residents, and whose main appeal to residents is that they won't have to pay property taxes."
"According to statistics from the state Department of Revenue, more than 114,000 Wisconsin taxpayers received their tax refund through a refund anticipation loan in 2003, and they paid more than $28.5 million in fees."
"Not only is the U.S. media becoming more aggressive, she says, but the public's finally begun to grasp that the Bush administration's lies about the war and the ongoing congressional shenanigans "have perverted the democratic process.""
"1) rising interest rates; 2) rising inflation; 3) rising energy prices; 4) falling dollar; 5) falling housing prices; 6) domestic recession; 7) disappointing corporate earnings; 8) protectionist trade laws; 9) geo-political upheavals, i.e., Iraq, Iran, North Korea; 10) large corporate bankruptcies, i.e., General Motors; 11) natural disasters, and last but not least; 12) the consumer finally collapsing under the weight of too much debt."
"Cohen estimates it will take as long as five years. But eventually the glider will end up in a building in Iron Mountain, Mich., as an exhibit for the Menominee Range Historical Foundation."
"He said the DNR should have also considered other factors, such as recreational value and land use along rivers and streams. The agency should have also considered the importance of rivers and streams to economies on tribal lands, he said."
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Sen
R. Feingold"By challenging President Bush on Iraq and the Patriot Act, Senator Russ Feingold has tapped areas that could help him in a potential presidential race."
"I think there is an orderly and dignified way to find out what happened," said Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. "And, if there was a legal violation there needs to be accountability ... you can't put the cart before the horse, but I would not rule out any form of accountability."
"Speaking to reporters, Feingold and Sanders would not rule out impeachment hearings on the NSA spy program and other issues -- that is, if the Democrats win control of Congress."
Sen
H. Kohl"I am sensitive to First Amendment rights and current campaign rules that allow Kohl and others of vast wealth to invest unlimited amounts of their own funds into their own campaigns, but it doesn't seem right."
"I think it all adds up to more intense scrutiny of the political process and it's hard to be anything but in favor of that."
(You folks are reminded that you can find the current WIMI public service announcements and the "Phone eNews" in blog format by clicking on the "Blog" item in the menu in the banner of this site.)
"Gilbertsen is not alone in cutting back on her groceries. Residents across the region are now scrambling to pay their first winter heating bills, which started arriving in mailboxes late last month."
"Green refuses to give up roughly $30,000 in campaign contributions he got from groups associated with DeLay, he refuses to dismiss his campaign manager a former congressional aide who has been accused of accepting gifts from Abramoff and he refuses to distance himself from U.S. Rep. Bob Ney, the Ohio Republican who made a special trip to Wisconsin last fall to help Green and who now is one of the prime subjects of the Abramoff investigation."
The federal government switched people who were on Medicaid drug coverage to Medicare, apparently in mid-December. People who had been on Medicaid were forced to pick a plan, and if they did not, the federal government picked one for them.
"Domestic violence was just overwhelming last year. The number of attempted homicides, the number of severe felony charges, the number of extremely violent cases, all that was up,"
Sen
R. Feingold"It is typically the shame factor or the fear factor [when] members of Congress realize that this is hurting their reputation that often leads people to be willing to change the status quo, so I think it will of course put some wind in our sails and help us get the reform that is needed,"
"All this bodes well for Senator Russ Feingold. Feingold was one of the leaders in getting the ANWR bill killed in the Senate this year. He has always fought for a stronger environment, including the following things:"
"The “dramatic revelations” about Abramoff’s activities “will help spur reform,” said Senator Russ Feingold. “That’s the way it always works.”"
"Members of Congress, even in the shadow of Sept. 11, did not think that the military force resolution was giving the president blanket authority to order warrantless wiretaps of American citizens on American soil. Congress has not grant
Sen
H. Kohl"The five Democrats excluded from the NRSC's list are Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii, Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, Mark Dayton of Minnesota, Herb Kohl of Wisconsin and Frank R. Lautenberg of New Jersey."
Rep
D. Obey"His proposal, Obey said, "would prevent members of Congress from going on any trips that were arranged for, paid or attended by lobbyists.""
"Wisconsin Rep. David Obey said a reform bill he was proposing had won a majority of support among fellow Democrats in the House of Representatives."
"Udall is co-sponsoring a bill with Rep. David Obey, a Wisconsin Democrat, that would address what the minority sees as the abuse of House rules by the Republican leadership. It would ban the practice of holding a vote open for hours while the leadership pressures members to get a majority."
"Items were so numerous that we had to rent a 26-foot U-haul truck,"
"Tune in to the Travel Channel (cable channel 29 for Charter subscribers) at 7:30 a.m. Saturday to see a Discover Wisconsin program that includes Iron County winter recreation opportunities."
"They dragged a U.S. flag on the ground while carrying signs that said "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for IEDs," a reference to the improvised explosive device that killed Wallace."
"The ruling, which resurrected the lead paint case of teenager Steven Thomas, essentially held that because all makers of white carbonate lead were basically the same, all created the risk of injury and should contribute to paying a child's damages."
"Overall, the state saw an increase of 4,400 households over the five-year period. But those leaving were worth more and had higher incomes, resulting in the lost household worth and a loss of $454.8 million in income over the five years."
"The federal government has made $3.9 million in emergency funds available to Wisconsin to help low-income families pay heating and energy bills this winter."
"But the Republicans in particular have the impetus for doing something because they appear to be taking the brunt of this scandal. They want to show changes are being made."
"Needing to get back on track, the Midgets did just that Thursday. They used a solid defensive effort to down Washburn 57-45 in IC boys basketball action."
Points
Memo
"Democrats back in the state have been razzing him (Mark Green associate) for a few months over the fact that his name pops up numerous times in Team Abramoff emails we published here back in October. Graul followed up with a series of wiggly non-denial denials."
"Scientists said the bigheads can grow up to 100 pounds and consume up to 40% of the body weight in plankton a day - food upon which nearly every other fish species in the lakes depends directly or indirectly."
"Campaign records show Obey received a $1,000 donation from the tribe on Feb. 22, 2002. Abramoff registered as a lobbyist for the Agua Caliente tribe on July 6, 2002."
"The properties virtually abut six reservoirs across the Upper Peninsula, including Bond Falls Reservoir, which is 30 miles north of Land O' Lakes."
"When confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito begin Monday, a national anti-abortion group will bombard cable news with ads that portray Wisconsin Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold as extremists on abortion policy."
"... a series of trials, that are showing that the chemotherapy delivered directly into the belly cavity is better than they get by veins for ovarian cancer."
"The last person who would receive money from Abramoff is me. The fact is, we’re mortal enemies.”
"Bowhunters in Washburn will have until the end of January to nab a deer within city limits after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved an extension of the city's first-ever urban hunt."
"Most ice is unsafe in southern Wisconsin and conditions are even questionable across the northern half of the state," the WDNR's Bill Engfer said this week.
"Four members of the West Suburban Symphony of Hinsdale, Ill., will present a musical recital at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Mercer School."
Sen
R. Feingold""I think it's going to require fundamental change. I think we ought to have a national program that allows each state flexibility in how they want to do it.""
"There will be a primary election in Hurley's district 3 on Feb. 21 to eliminate one of three candidates. Supervisor Gene Cisewski is seeking re-election. He faces opposition from former Iron County Clerk of Courts Jack Prospero and Donna Falbe of Hurley."
"A Feb. 21 primary election will be necessary in the Hurley School District, where three candidates are seeking a single seat on the board."
"An Ironwood man was arrested late Tuesday evening in Hurley on battery and second-degree sexual assault charges."
"The free contest, which is being held in conjunction with the Stormy Kromer Cross Country Pursuit and the Mercer Lioness Chili Cook-Off, invites any interested individuals to try their hand at ice carving."
"Wisconsin Right to Life officials not only provided the drafting instructions to the bill, but worked with the bill drafter at the Legislative Reference Bureau to influence its content."
"The budget pressure is forcing some local fire departments to reduce their minimum staffing levels on engines and at stations, over the strong objections of front-line firefighters and paramedics."
"The Web site, www.dor.state.wi.us, lists the names and amounts due for all those who owe more than $25,000 in back taxes. Many of those amounts are based on estimates, which could be far off."
"BP agrees with the intent of Wisconsin's low-income energy assistance program to provide financial assistance to families that are unable to pay their utility bills. BP further believes that it is the role of government to determine the funding level for specific programs through allocation of its general revenues. BP has not made direct contributions to programs such as this and declines to do so now."
"He was the only Democrat in the state's House delegation to vote to authorize Bush to go the war. Then, under pressure from his constituents, he led a prewar effort to get the administration to clarify its goals and to answer core questions from Congress. Since the war began, Kind has tried to straddle the issues,"
""We can have this wood brought up dried and processed and to the customer in two weeks,""
Free Press
"In a typical December, McDiarmid added, southeast Michigan was sunny 31% of the time; in all of December 2005, the sun had shone just about 12% of the time."
Sen
R. Feingold“Rather than holding staged meetings with hand-picked participants, the President needs to engage in good faith negotiations about the Patriot Act with the bipartisan coalition that is asking for reasonable changes to the Act."
"The two elected officials will answer questions and hear comments and concerns from Vermont citizens. This event is Feingold's 4th national listening session. Feingold has held similar listening sessions in each of Wisconsin's 72 counties every year since 1993. He will hold his 1,000th open meeting in Wisconsin in late 2006."
"... Trail 15A has been temporarily closed to snowmobilers because of deep wash-outs."
"Major crime struck in Iron County during 2005 in the form of two murders."
"That makes 2006 a critical year in state politics, with Republicans hoping to win back the governor's office from Democrats, and Democrats hoping to make inroads in the GOP-held Senate and Assembly."
"That makes 2006 a critical year in state politics, with Republicans hoping to win back the governor's office from Democrats, and Democrats hoping to make inroads in the GOP-held Senate and Assembly."
"The process used to determine how power is routed into and around the county is complicated and controversial. Opportunities exist, though, for residents, with or without a degree, to be part of the process."
"The Wisconsin's State Journal's editorial board considers the following issues to be among the most important facing Wisconsin in 2006."
"A 90-year-old Wausau man initially charged with homicide by drunken driving was sentenced to four years' probation for a lesser charge this morning in Marathon County Circuit Court."
"Nationally, about $900 less per pupil is spent on students educated in the nation's poorest school districts than those educated in the wealthiest."
Sen
R. Feingold"... there's no question that Wisconsin Democrat Russ Feingold was the essential senator of 2005. He was the first member of the chamber to call for a timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq -- a stance that initially was ridiculed but ultimately drew support from many of Feingold's fellow Democrats and even a few Republicans."
"This is not a strategy, and it certainly is not a plan to complete the military mission in Iraq,''
"At least one serious presidential candidate, Wisconsin senator Russ Feingold, has made opposition to the war a plank in his platform. Good for him, and shame on those politicians who continue to equivocate."
"Remember last time around when only presidential hopeful Russ Feingold was the lonely little petunia in the onion patch, voting against the Patriot Act?"
Sen
H. Kohl"United States senator Herb Kohl would face a complicated foe in former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson in next year’s election to the upper house, according to a poll by Strategic Vision. 45 per cent of respondents in the Badger State would vote for the Republican challenger, while 42 per cent would support the Democratic incumbent."
"First, we attended breakfast at Sen. Herb Kohl's office. While at the senator's building, we stopped to see Sen. Russ Feingold and other senators the students were interested in meeting."
Rep
D. Obey"But in the midst of this sea of sleaze not to become the reform party, Tom Allen of Maine, Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Dave Obey of Wisconsin, and Dave Price of North Carolina, introduced a reform package, a very straightforward reform package, no more room, board and tuition from Jack Abramoff or any other lobbyists, no lobbying by former members on the floor during votes or anything of the sort - I mean, just kind of straightforward things."
"The 52-year-old lawmaker, elected in 2004 to a third Senate term, says he aims through his travels to promote a progressive reform agenda and usher more Democrats into office."
"In an increasingly cashless and computer-driven society, an Arizona company with Midwestern roots has introduced a debit card with V-chip-like computer controls, letting parents set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits, review statements and even select where it can be used."
"UW-Madison scientists have created two new embryonic stem-cell lines, the first grown without animal products, officials say, removing a major obstacle to their potential use as cell therapies in people."
"The change to include specific addresses is part of an ongoing effort by Gov. Jim Doyle and corrections officials to keep communities safe from sex offenders and provide more information about them to the public."
(Press Here for Hurley's info.)
"The lodging is full, the lifts are full and we're having a great Christmas," said Dave Lundberg, of Whitecap Mountain, near Iron Belt, Wis. "The weather has been so-so, but now we've got wonderful snow."
"Before the $40,000 corporate check was written, the state budget contained a tax-code change that would have cost the telecommunications industry money. After the check was delivered, the provision was removed from the budget, which Chvala and Assembly Republicans wrote over the next two weeks."
"My Marines are the best-trained, best-equipped, most homesick fighting force in the world. Just give us the order, and we will commandeer every available vehicle to execute a flanking maneuver on the airstrips of Mosul."
"The high court’s 5-4 ruling noted that states are free to ban local officials from transferring land among private owners for redevelopment."
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